Category: Front Page
After spending four decades representing workers, Brodar prepares for a new chapter
After spending four decades representing workers, SMART-TD’s General Counsel Kevin Brodar is retiring at the end of the year. From reflecting on why he chose to practice labor law, to the impact he hopes that he had on SMART-TD members, Brodar looks back at a legal career that’s been centered on helping people.
GP Coleman’s 2024 holiday message
GP Coleman's holiday message to SMART members connects our principles with this special time of year: "The holiday season means different things to different people. But at its core, I believe it’s about our common humanity. As union members, that is one of our core values; the idea that every working person deserves safety, fair pay, a secure retirement and a life with dignity, and that we will organize together to win those rights."
Local #823 member killed in on-duty collision
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of SMART-TD member and Union Pacific Conductor Phillip Araujo. As recently reported, he and his engineer, Clay Burt, lost their lives when their train collided with a tractor-trailer in Pecos City, Texas. Brother Ryan Monts of BLET Division 212 has started a GoFundMe account to support the families of Araujo and Brother Burt.
“Three Pack” attacks: SMART councils meet to fortify union in California
The Recruitment and Retention, Roofing and Building Enclosure, and Production Workers and Sign Councils met in Cathedral City, California, in December 2024. Dubbed the “Three Pack Attack,” the council meetings convened sheet metal and transportation leaders from all over North America to focus on both holistic challenges and specific industry landscapes.
The Safety Of Our BNSF Brothers And Sisters Is Not For Sale!
Join SMART-TD in challenging BNSF’s request to continue to degrade our safety! If it isn’t safe enough for passengers, it isn’t safe enough for us!
Tragic Collision in Pecos, Texas Claims Two Lives
A collision between a Union Pacific train and a tractor-trailer in Pecos, Texas, on December 18 resulted in the deaths of two railroad workers. SMART-TD extends condolences to the victims' families and to Local 823 in their time of grieving.
SMART-TD union announces the passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act (REEF)
After years of work, SMART-TD's Safety and Legislative Department is celebrating the passage of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness Act (REEF). With today's vote, our members have succeeded in righting a wrong that imposed an unfair and unintended tax on railroader retirement benefits.
SMART-TD member elected to lead Kansas worker group
Brother Ty Dragoo, SMART-TD Kansas Legislative Director and Chairman, has been elected to lead Working Kansas Alliance (WKA), which represents more than 500,000 workers throughout the state. Focused on working across party lines to get things done, Brother Dragoo is committed to advocating for issues that affect SMART-TD members and the entire labor movement at the state legislature.